After heading south down the highway from Kuala Lumpur, the beachfront lining The Westin Desaru Coast Resort makes for a very welcome sight.
I am glad that I have planned several days in this expansive property and first impressions are most favourable indeed.
The 275 -room property is one of four deluxe to luxury resorts in the integrated tourism development of Desaru Coast fronting the South China Sea and centred around a huge water theme park and two 18-hole championship golf courses.
The Westin is a resort that you just want to check into, rest in and make the most of the extensive facilities that are available here.
STAY
There are several room categories with the premier sea view rooms being the ones to seek out. The minimum room size is 42 sqm and even those without sea views are of the same high standard and overlook the adjoining Hard Rock Hotel.
All rooms are fitted out with contemporary furnishings and with the latest technology including instantaneous WiFi throughout. The bed is quite heavenly and effective block-out curtains keep the early morning light from those who have come for a restorative and rejuvenating retreat.
The spacious balcony is a real plus as it is refreshingly cooled by sea breezes and an overhead fan and there are two comfortable chairs plus a table for making the most of sunset drinks.
There is a good working table for those who combine business with pleasure and the television set is large, easy to use and features numerous channels.
The bathroom is well illuminated and comes with a large free-standing bathtub, a shower stall, a single wash basin and pleasing detail such as a magnifying mirror and scales.
In-house Westin toiletries are dispensed from wall-mounted containers and drinking water in flasks helps lower the property's carbon footprint and plastic to landfill.
The in-room fridge is unstocked (but it can be upon request), so it's a good idea to bring some beverages from home and store them in the mini-bar.
EAT
Breakfast is included in the tariff and for those who appreciate a long, leisurely resort breakfast, The Westin offers one of Malaysia's best. Seating in Seasonal Taste is available indoors or on an open but covered verandah.
Local, Asian and international treats are available with an emphasis on fresh and healthy cuisine such as ample cut fruit, healthy juices and grain cereals in addition to numerous hot dishes and freshly-cooked eggs.
Seasonal Taste is also the venue for a popular afternoon tea for two (or more) with treats of scones, pastries, cakes and sandwiches presented on a contemporary-styled stand.
In the evening, guests can dine here, in Prego or at the Beach Bar. I dine in both the latter two and enjoyed the casualness of the Beach Bar especially its happy hour beverage pricing and its good pub food such as a tasty burger. Patrons dine on the sand beneath swaying palms and casuarinas so it's the perfect location to relax at day's end.
Prego requires smart casual resort attire although things are quite relaxed here apart from the professionalism of the staff. A chance encounter with the new Executive Chef Jaffrey Othman and the mention of a fussy diner in my group result in a memorable meal in Prego.
Plant-based dining is requested and the chef shines with a tantalising ravioli dish made tasty with local spices, herbs and salad items. While the dish is specially created, it could soon appear on the menu so if you have specific dietary requirements, give the staff advanced warning and be pleasantly surprised.
The carnivores in my group eagerly devour a premium cut of Australian Black Angus topside beef cooked to perfection and wash down with a glass of Chianti Classico from Tuscany.
DO
Take an early morning or late afternoon stroll along the wide expanse of sand here and you will mostly have it to yourself.
The Heavenly Spa by Westin has a comprehensive selection of wellness therapies and the nearby gym, is well-equipped and open around the clock via keycard access. We like that games such as foosball, table tennis and pool were complimentary.
GO
The adjoin Adventure Water Park, claimed as one of the world's biggest, is a five-minute walk from the resort.
The Els Club Desaru Coast offers two highly-acclaimed, 18-hole championship golf courses and there is a conference centre at the resort's front entrance.
Riverside shopping outlets are close by and other regional attractions are listed as Desaru Fruit Farm, a crocodile farm and a firefly park.
VERDICTS
HIGHS The expansive landscaped gardens give guests a sense that they almost have the property to themselves.
The same can be said for the gently rolling surf as few guests venture here preferring the pool to cool down.
The spacious room verandahs are perfect for relaxing in the fresh air and beneath a ceiling fan. Open doors allow breezes to enter the room however, I am cautioned that bugs also like flying in through open doors.
LOWS The Westin Desaru is a solid four-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur so plan to stay here for several nights; otherwise, your coastal escape will be spent as much on the highway as the tranquil Johor beachfront.
FAST FACTS
The Westin Desaru Coast Resort
4 Jalan Danau
Desaru Coast
Jalan Pantai 3
81930 Bandar Penawar
Johor
TEL 07-838-3333
EMAIL [email protected]
WEBSITE www.marriott.com